Boston Celtics: 3 keys to a Game 7 road win in Miami

MIAMI, FLORIDA - MAY 25: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics points against the Miami Heat during the third quarter in Game Five of the 2022 NBA Playoffs Eastern Conference Finals at FTX Arena on May 25, 2022 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Eric Espada/Getty Images) /

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Boston Celtics key to victory No.1) Get out to an early lead

It’s never easy to claw your way back into a basketball game when you fall behind early. Especially in the NBA Playoffs and against such a stout defensive team.

As seen in Game 6, Boston fell behind early and spent the entirety of the contest trying to fight their way back in. Jimmy Butler and Kyle Lowry responded every time the Celtics got close or finally took the lead.

They absorbed every punch from Boston and carried on.

Mix in a few Max Strus Hail Mary 3-pointers, and you have a disappointing home loss.

It is the shamrock’s turn to gain an advantage early. In a series of blowouts early on in contests, these teams’ defenses make it near impossible to get back in a game once things go south.

Jaylen Brown could play a major part in getting his squad a first-quarter lead. As seen all season long, the star wing is capable of dropping 15-plus points in the first quarter of any basketball contest. He is due for a big start himself on Sunday.

Expect a different game plan from Ime Udoka offensively early on as well. Marcus Smart and Al Horford had a rough game from a shooting aspect Friday night, but Derrick White shined.

We could see the first-year head coach make the move to White earlier in the contest, in order to get the C’s on top.

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